A Brief History of Memorial Day
Did you know Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day back around the Civil War times? And interestingly, Memorial Day only became a federal holiday in 1971. Every year at 3:00 p.m. local time a moment of remembrance is held throughout the country.
Decoration Day
Decoration Day was established in 1862 to honor the war veterans of The Civil War, which claimed more lives than any war or conflict in U.S. history. May 30th was chosen because there was no anniversary of any battle on that day.
Memorial Day
The Memorial Day holiday evolved (due to the U.S. involvement in World War I) to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. May 30th also evolved to become the last Monday in May so that federal employees could have a three-day weekend.
Memorial Day is commemorated with parades, visiting cemeteries and memorials. And people use this time to get together with friends and family, and welcome the beginning of summer.
Enjoy your Memorial Day and Thank You to our men and women serving, or who have served, this great nation.
